Articles filed under Winfield

DuPage Community Foundation Grant Helps Fund Ray Graham Association’s Monarch AcademyFeb 12, 2015 5:21 PMThe DuPage Community Foundation
Helping people with disabilities and their families is what the Ray Graham Association is all about. The agency’s goal is to discover the right tools to empower each individual to reach, grow, and achieve. One way Ray Graham Association does this is through its Monarch Academy.
Monarch Academy, founded in January 2011, just celebrated its four-year anniversary. A post-high school program, Monarch Academy engages its participants in the community in a variety of ways focusing on cultivating their social, recreational and life skills. The program was born from an idea that came from parents of the residents of an independent apartment complex of Ray Graham residents known as “Monarch Living,” located in Elmhurst.
“The program provides a menu of options for participants in the day program,” said Kristen Garcia, program coordinator of Monarch Services for Ray Graham Association. This menu includes various social and recreational options for the young adults who are leaving the High School Transition Program for their first experiences in the adult world. The High School
Transition Program includes the four years after high school and serves participants up to age 22.
“The Transition Program includes teaching participants how to do their own laundry, budgeting and other life skills they might not be accustomed to doing,” added Garcia. “Once the Transition Program is completed, an adult service provider is something that most families try to find for their children. Monarch Academy is a great option for them.”
“Our Monarch Academy program really developed with families who worked with us,” said Kathy Carmody, MSW, Ray Graham Association’s chief of staff. “It is the culmination of an idea of what they wanted their children to experience during the day after high school graduation. A key element is the partnership with parents, which I feel is the best part.”
Monarch Academy participants range in age from 22 to mid-30s. The goal of the program from the start has been to provide opportunities for the participants to be present and active in a community for a majority of the day. The routine is to have a “home base” in the community where the Monarch Academies are set up—currently one in Burr Ridge and one in Naperville—and spend a good part of the day out and about. Creating partnerships in the communities is critical to the program’s success.
“We always work closely with the families to ensure we provide the kinds of activities that they want for their sons and daughters,” said Garcia. The Monarch Academy programming runs from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Monday - Friday. Currently there are 21 people in the program, 11 in the Naperville location and 10 in Burr Ridge.
The Monarch Academy daily schedule consists of educational and recreational sessions such as health and fitness, life skills and coaching, and the arts. Once in the program, participants typically remain until they transition into an employment-based schedule. Each month the participants work with the Monarch Academy staffers to plan the upcoming month’s program.
“This helps the participants gain ownership of the program,” said Garcia.
“Some of the program participants use different technology to assist them with their disabilities,” said Carmody. “The grant from The DuPage Community Foundation has enabled families with disabilities to really experience the kind of quality services and structure that Ray Graham provides to their children. That’s what’s most satisfying.”
“My favorite part of Monarch Academy is that it’s different for everyone,” said Garcia. “I love the friendships and the social connection with people. There are real friendships formed and it provides a meaningful day for people. Without the program, the participants would be at home. They much rather prefer to be in the community and in a small group setting.”
“Building relationships is what life is all about,” said Carmody. “This is most evident in the Monarch Academy over any other Ray Graham program and at the end of the day, that’s what people want—to feel a part of something.”
The building and establishing of relationships is one aspect of the Monarch Academy which Carmody points out as a unique attribute. “Creating, fostering and carrying on relationships have always been one of the best features of our program,” said Carmody. “The Monarch Academy is a parent’s dream for his or her child. We are helping make that dream come true.”
About Ray Graham Association:
Ray Graham Association for People with Disabilities is a not-for-profit organization that provides a broad array of services and supports nearly 2,000 children and adults with developmental disabilities such as, cerebral palsy and autism. Services include residential, employment, life skills, and family support at 35 locations throughout DuPage County and the
surrounding areas. For more information, visit www.ray-graham.org.
About The DuPage Community Foundation:
The DuPage Community Foundation seeks to raise the quality of life throughout DuPage County by fostering philanthropy, connecting donors to area needs and building community partnerships. Based on the American virtues of volunteerism and philanthropy, the Foundation fosters a legacy of support for the people of DuPage County by making grants to not-for-profit organizations working in the areas of arts and culture, education, environment, health, and human services. Since its inception, the Foundation has built its endowment to more than $61 million and
awarded more than $20 million in grants to not-for-profit agencies serving the residents of
DuPage County and beyond.
Established in 1986, The DuPage Community Foundation is a publicly-supported 501(c)(3) organization to which contributions are tax deductible. It was created to benefit the people of DuPage County and receives contributions and bequests into a permanent endowment from individuals, corporations, organizations and foundations wishing to make lasting contributions to the people of DuPage. The earnings on these funds are then used, in accordance with donor wishes, for the Foundation’s grantmaking and community leadership activities.
For more information about the Foundation, or to arrange future media opportunities, please contact Joelyn Kott, marketing & communications officer, at (630) 665-5556, extension 19, or jkott@dcfdn.org.

Local Soroptimist Club Offers GED GrantFeb 9, 2015 4:56 PMDiane Kegley
Chicago Suburbs —Women who currently attend G.E.D. courses and who are seeking financial assistance to complete certification can now obtain an application for this award. The G.E.D. Grant is Soroptimist International of Suburban Chicago’s cash award that honors the women completing their equivalency to improve their lives and those of their family. Applications are available by contacting Soroptimist International of Suburban Chicago (SISC) via e-mail at siofsuburban.chicago@soroptimist.net . SISC will give two cash awards that cover the cost of the test. Deadline for completed applications is April 1, 2015. The winners will be honored at a luncheon in May where their checks and grant certificates will be awarded.
Soroptimist International of Suburban Chicago is a volunteer organization for business and professional women dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world. Founded in 1989, the Suburban Chicago club is part of Soroptimist International which has over 90,000 members in more than 120 countries and territories who contribute time and financial support to community-based projects that benefit women. In addition to the G.E.D. Grant, Soroptimist International of Suburban Chicago has three additional awards for women and girls. For more information about the awards, our local programs and Soroptimism visit our web site at si-suburbanchicago.org .

February’s WWEA Educator SpotlightFeb 9, 2015 4:54 PMWheaton Warrenville Education Association (WWEA)
The Wheaton Warrenville Education Association (WWEA) would like to introduce Mrs. Michele Foster, a 4 year kindergarten educator at Bower Elementary in District 200 with 11 years of teaching experience. Mrs. Foster attended District 200 schools and graduated from Wheaton Central. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a specialization in Early Childhood Education from the University of Iowa.
Mrs. Foster chose the education profession because she has always loved working with children. She stated that she often “played school” as a child with her younger sibling. As she moved on to high school and college, she dabbled in lesson planning while creating activities as a preschool camp counselor. Today, Mrs. Foster is a kindergarten teacher who volunteers her time for the Bower Building Improvement Team. She stated, “I am most proud of the sweet little notes and pictures I receive daily from my students who are beginning writers. I love to see the pride on their faces as they present me with a note they wrote all by themselves!” One of her favorite anonymous quotes is, “In no other job will you get original artwork, dandelions,and hugs for simply doing your job.” She also appreciates the proud notes and emails from parents simply thanking her for all that she does to support and inspire her students.
Mrs. Foster strives to reach each and everyone of her students. Every Spring, she puts a note in her classroom newsletter to parents requesting their child’s sport or activity schedule. She tries to go see as many of her 52 kindergarten students outside of school as she can to offer support and encouragement. This experience has allowed her to see soccer games, t-ball, gymnastics, swimming, and she’s been an honored guest at dance recitals. The excitement on her students’ faces and the gratitude in their parents’ voices make her heart swell with joy every time she goes somewhere.
Being an educator means a great deal to Mrs. Foster. She is so grateful to have the opportunity to teach some of the youngest learners in our school district. She enjoys experiencing their love for learning, genuine friendships and advances in reading, writing, and math. Mrs. Foster summed up her love of teaching in another favorite quote, “You laugh, you cry, and work harder than you ever thought you could. Some days you’re trying to change the world, and some days you’re trying to make it through the day. Your wallet is empty, your heart is full, and your mind is packed with memories of kids that have changed your life.”
Thank you, Mrs. Foster, for putting your best foot forward every day to inspire lifelong learning in our students. Your passion for teaching excellence is evident in your classroom.

Nominations Accepted for 2015 Woman of DistinctionFeb 5, 2015 4:15 PMCOD News Bureau
In celebration of Women’s History Month, College of DuPage is accepting nominations for the 2015 Woman of Distinction Award.
Named for former COD History Professor Adade Wheeler, the award has been given annually since 1983 to individuals who have made significant contributions to the personal and professional advancement of women through education, advocacy and motivation.
Nominees must reside, work or volunteer within Community College District 502. Priority is placed on activities that are beyond the scope of the workplace. Nominations must be received by Monday, March 3. Forms are available by clicking here.
The Award Ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 19, in the Student Resource Center, Room 2000, on the Glen Ellyn campus, 425 Fawell Blvd. A reception will begin at 6:30 p.m.
For more information, contact Mary Jean Cravens at cravens@cod.edu or Julia diLiberti at dilibert@cod.edu.

Presidents’ Issue New Report on Granting Baccalaureate Degrees for Various FieldsFeb 5, 2015 4:17 PMCOD News Bureau
Illinois Council of Community College Presidents
NORMAL Illinois community college presidents approved a recommendation urging the community college system be allowed to grant four-year baccalaureate degrees for nursing and other applied career areas at their meeting on Friday, January 30.
“This recommendation, which took nearly one year to study and prepare, shows our community colleges can be the place where students can earn the degrees close to home which is important to their families and communities,” said Thomas Choice, the president of the Illinois Council of Community College Presidents.
The study recommends community colleges be authorized to grant four-year degrees for applied careers and nursing degrees. Illinois would join 21 others states already offering these four-year degrees. Illinois officials have discussed the concept and experiences for families in other states for several years.
“Our study indicates many employers across the state need a workforce with a higher level of education. Community colleges are uniquely positioned with their strong industry and workforce relationships to provide these programs” said Carl Sandberg College President Lori Sundberg. Sundberg chaired the committee that wrote the report.
The Council will work with the Illinois Community College Trustees Association, the Illinois Community College Board, the Illinois Board of Higher Education and the legislature to ensure the necessary steps to move forward.
Choice, who is president of Kishwaukee College in Malta Illinois, noted the report recommends the addition of these programs be managed without any additional state funding. It is anticipated that the variable tuition program already used by many community colleges for career and technical degrees would be used for these four-year degrees.
The applied baccalaureate degrees would cover fields like automotive, respiratory therapy and dental hygiene among others.

COD to Offer ‘Valentines for Veterans’ Free Photo Portraits on Feb. 7Feb 5, 2015 4:03 PMCOD News Bureau
The College of DuPage Photography Club will take free Valentine portraits of military families on Saturday, Feb. 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the McAninch Arts Center, Room 276, on the College’s main campus, 425 Fawell Blvd., in Glen Ellyn.
During this event, photography student volunteers will provide a free 20-minute professional portrait session for military families. Participants will leave with a compact disc of images to send to their loved ones in the armed forces.
Reservations are required. To sign up, please email JoAnn Hartley at hartleyj104@dupage.edu. For more information, please contact Professor of Photography Terry Vitacco.

College of DuPage Reaches Historic Headcount and FTE Spring EnrollmentFeb 5, 2015 4:19 PMCOD News Bureau
Continuing to buck regional and national trends, College of DuPage has recorded its highest-ever spring Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) and total credit headcount enrollment in the College’s 48-year history.
The College’s net 10th day FTE is 15,952, up 2.1 percent over last spring. In addition, the College’s net credit headcount (full- and part-time students) is 29,108, up 3.6 percent compared to spring 2014 semester.
“These numbers speak volumes,” said COD President Dr. Robert L. Breuder. “College of DuPage employees have accomplished an impressive number of achievements over the past six years, which has resulted in a continued upward enrollment trend in the face of state and national decreases.”
Last month, College of DuPage was named the fastest-growing community college in the nation outside of California by Community College Week in a study with data gathered by the U.S. Department of Education. In addition, a recent report from the Illinois Community College Board noted that of the 39 community college districts in Illinois, College of DuPage is the only district to grow Full-Time Equivalent enrollment over the past five years.
“At a time when an educational return on investment is more important than ever, we have maintained a pulse on local, state and national workforce trends to offer students solid programming options that result in high-paying jobs and promotions through increased credentials,” Dr. Breuder said. “We have differentiated ourselves through our programs, faculty, facilities and innovation. This historic enrollment substantiates our hard work.”
Over the past six years, the College has implemented nearly 70 new ICCB-approved certificates and degrees, has significantly strengthened its financial position and recently completed $550 million in campus improvements. In addition, the College has created new programming with six partner universities to offer 12 bachelor degrees on COD’s campus through its 3+1 program, has increased fundraising from $1.2 million a few years ago to more than $5 million last year, and continues to spearhead the issue of two-year colleges offering specialized baccalaureate degrees.
“The value College of DuPage provides students and the community is unquestionable,” said COD Chairman Erin Birt. “We continue to differentiate ourselves by offering innovative, timely, accessible and affordable programming. Through hard work and strategic planning, we are realizing our vision of becoming the primary college district residents choose for high quality education.”
Among the state’s public colleges and universities, College of DuPage, with more than 28,000 students, is the second largest provider of undergraduate education in the State of Illinois, after University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
For more information, please call Joe Moore, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, at (630) 991-6557 or moorej7718@cod.edu.

It May Be Winter, but Spring is in the Air at CODFeb 5, 2015 4:01 PMCOD News Bureau
Chicago’s wintry mix offers a beautiful winter landscape for the College of DuPage Glen Ellyn campus. Click here for more photos. Weathering some recent high and low temperatures, students are back for spring semester, which began Jan. 14. Registration is still open for spring, with a 12-week session and second 8-week session starting Feb. 5 and March 10, respectively. For more information, call (630) 942-2377 or register online through myACCESS. (Press Photography Network/ Special to College of DuPage)

PM Prime Steakhouse Hosts Supper Club EventsFeb 5, 2015 9:46 AMCarolyn Jacobs
Don your fedora or your pill box hat and get ready for the PM Prime Supper Club. Guests will step back in time to an era of straight-up martinis, silk suits and the sounds of Sinatra crooning in the background.

LifeSource calls for blood donation awareness during Black History Month
Feb 3, 2015 10:48 AMJoe White
In honor of Black History Month, LifeSource is highlighting the importance of blood donation among African-Americans. Thirty-seven percent of the population is eligible to donate blood, yet fewer than 10 percent actually donate. Less than one percent of these blood donations are from African-Americans.

Serious shortage of trades peopleFeb 2, 2015 5:55 AM
A Winfield letter to the editor: Recently Chicago Mayor Emanuel suggested a program of free city community college for children from city public schools who do well in high school. I would like to see us return to the country who makes and fixes things. We have a serious shortage of trades people in all types of manufacturing, building and maintaining, i.e. plumbing, electrical, etc.

Winfield Boy Scouts Win KlondikeFeb 2, 2015 4:51 PMScott Young
The Raptor Patrol from Winfield Boy Scout Troop 575 won the annual Boy Scout Klondike competition at Cantigny on Saturday, January 31.
Named the 2015 Husky Trek, the Klondike tests leadership and outdoor skills in 10 or more areas ranging from from first aid to orienteering.
More than 150 Boy Scouts in 25 patrols competed, representing Boy Scout troops from throughout Western DuPage County.
Each patrol transports all of their equipment on sleds but with the lack of snow on January 31st, this made this year’s competition even more difficult. While many patrols solved this problem by attaching wheels to their sleds, the Raptor Patrol chose to carry their sled throughout the competition.
Troop 575’s Raptor Patrol was comprised of 13 and 14-year-old Boy Scouts Christian Demos (Wheaton), Gavin O’Keefe (Wheaton), Dylan Stumbrus (Wheaton), Jonathan Willcutt (Warrenville), and Kelson Young (Winfield).
Winfield Boy Scout Troop 575 was founded in 1997 and is made up of scouts from throughout Western DuPage County. The Troop is know for its commitment to the community, developing moral character and leadership, and producing scouts with exceptional outdoor skills.

High school students can Explore ACES March 13-14Jan 30, 2015 10:24 PMExplore ACES
High school students can learn more about the University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at “Explore ACES” on March 13-14. This student-run event introduces both prospective and admitted students to ACES faculty, academic offerings, and student organizations. More than 100 exhibits showcase academics, research, and student development opportunities. Students can also learn about study-abroad programs, how ACES graduates are using their degrees, and tips on applying for more than $2.5 million in scholarships within the College of ACES.

Kohl’s Cares to award nearly $400,000 in scholarshipsJan 30, 2015 5:36 PMKohl’s Cares Scholarship Program
Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program recently announced it will award nearly $400,000 in scholarships and prizes to more than 2,500 students who have made a positive impact on their communities. Nominations for kids, age 6 to 18, will be accepted Jan. 30 to March 13 at kohlskids.com. “Children around the country are doing inspiring work in their communities every day and Kohl's is proud to reward these future leaders through the Kohl's Cares Scholarship Program,” said Bevin Bailis.

County fairs contribute to local economiesFeb 2, 2015 1:41 PMSubmitted by Cindy Sarkady
Charlotte Roberts, 4-H member of Chain of Lakes 4-H club and Teen Ambassador represented Lake County at the annual meeting of the Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs (IAAF).

Norwegian National League of Chicago offers scholarshipsJan 26, 2015 9:15 AMSubmitted by Carol Hoidahl
The Norwegian National League of Chicago is offering scholarships and cash prizes to deserving students who are of Norwegian heritage residing in the counties of Cook, Lake, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, McHenry and Will.

Suburban home prices experience strong gains in 2014Jan 21, 2015 5:26 PMAmy Robey
The suburban Chicago housing market ended 2014 on a positive note: the number of homes that went under contract in December 2014 increased 19.4 percent over the same period last year, the largest year-over-year increase to date. Home prices also continued to grow, with the median sales price of detached homes up 8.8 percent compared with 2013, according to statistics released today by the Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS.